Sensei Neil

Sensei Neil Mardinger has been practicing martial arts for over 30 years.

Neil began his martial arts journey in 1990 by learning the art of Jeet Kune Do from one of the high-ranking students of Jack Laredo.

After training for a year in Jeet Kune Do, he felt that something was missing from his martial arts practice and wanted to learn a more traditional martial art.

In 1991, he began training in Kyokushin Karate under the guidance of Sensei Daniel Gauthier, and he later earned his green belt.

In 2004, after taking some years to develop his professional career, Neil started training in Kyokushin with the organization of André Gilbert, under the direction of Sensei Jacques Cote and Sylvie Lamarre. He achieved his brown belt in 2005 and his Shodan (black belt) in 2007.

In 2008, Neil joined Shihan Roman Szyrajew's organization under the guidance of Shihan Roman and Shihan Paul Bourgouin.

In 2009, Neil traveled to Japan to visit Mount Mitsumine, where many karate practitioners come to train and honor the Sosais shrine. Neil also trained at a Kyokushin dojo in Tokyo.

In 2011, Neil achieved his Nidan (second-degree black belt).

Since 2021, he has been teaching and assisting his Shihans, Senseis, and Senpais within the new Shinka Dojo organization, while also helping the dojo create new karate programs for children.

Neil has trained in numerous seminars and karate camps in Quebec and the United States, and he has participated in and refereed at several tournaments.